Examiners Report June 2014 GCE History 6HI01 A
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Introduction This year most candidates were able to provide some explanatory framework as a basic scaffolding for their answer, had a general understanding of the demands of the question and were able to sustain a focus on the question set. The ability to call on some relevant information, and to develop it to some extent, means that fewer answer were placed in Level 2. Level 1 answers were, as always, characterised by their brevity, often just one or two paragraphs of generalised material with no development. At the other end of the scale of attainment, many answers accessed Level 5. These answers were directly focused and analytical, considered a number of relevant points, and exemplified these with a range of detailed information. Moreover, most Level 5 answers came from candidates with good communication skills and the ability to use historical words and phrases confidently. There was a variety of approaches towards questions which had a multi-factored focus, usually signalled by the phrase the most important reason. Some of the most confident answers included an introduction which either agreed with the role of the stated factor or proposed an alternative. Many candidates, however, were more reluctant to commit themselves. Their introduction usually agreed with the stated factor to some extent but did not propose an alternative. Weighing up different factors before reaching a clear conclusion often differentiated between Level 4 and Level 5 answers. Some questions were not multi-factored, though a number of candidates mistakenly believed that they were. Question D10, for example, was focused on the extent to which Black Power hindered or promoted the rights of African Americans. Several candidates went beyond the question s remit to address other factors influencing African American rights, and thus took their answer out of focus. This weakness was also evident in, for example, answers to Question A14. A number of questions were shaped around double headers: questions of this type include A5 and A13, B2 and D12. While many answers accessed Level 4, the mark awarded was often influenced by the extent to which both factors were treated fairly evenly. Some answers to A5 were strongly weighted towards Henry II, with much less development on John; while on B2 the Papacy was often mentioned almost as an afterthought. Previous reports have highlighted the problems which many candidates have in interpreting social policies and, regrettably, this year was no exception. On D4, for example, many believed that social policies included economic and political change; while social and cultural change in D13 was sometimes interpreted as political and cultural change. There have been some improvements overall in the quality of written communication, with far fewer abbreviations and colloquialisms scattered through candidates answers. However the quality of handwriting on a small number of scripts meant that some words and phrases were impossible to decipher, and this factor weakened communication overall. GCE History 6HI01 A 3
Question 1 There were some excellent high-scoring answers to the question. Candidates were wellversed in the weaknesses displayed by the kingdoms mentioned, and referred extensively to Edmund in East Anglia, Burgred s difficulties in Mercia, and the civil strife between Osbert and Aelle in Northumbria. Viking strengths were also known in detail, including their speed of movement, superior weaponry and the contribution of the berserkers. Some suggested that by the time the Vikings turned their attention to Wessex, they had become more interested in settlement rather than conquest, and that the conflicts of 871 showed that Wessex would prove less easy to overwhelm than the other kingdoms. Question 2 Most candidates had a very good working knowledge of the military, political, cultural and religious reforms which Alfred carried out after 878. Some outstanding answers showed a mastery of a wide range of material and an ability to question the qualities of the different factors as well. Some, however, were tempted to run through Alfred s reforms, and how far do you agree, which required some evaluation of Alfred s greatest achievements, proved more elusive, even to those who were well-versed on the later years of the king s reign. They proved unable to test the relative greatness of any of Alfred s achievements against criteria such as successful defence against the Vikings or increased control over the kingdom. 4 GCE History 6HI01 A
Question 3 Many candidates addressed Hardrada s invasion as one of several factors leading to Godwinson s defeat. Factors were addressed individually, with prioritisation in the conclusion. An observation which emerged this year, which challenged earlier contributions, was that, as a result of Harold s victory at Stamford Bridge against the legendary warrior Hardrada, the king grew in confidence in his march back to the south. It was then claimed that it was this over-confidence which explained the faulty decisions prior to Hastings which contributed to his defeat at William s hands. These observations often made for a nuanced comparison with other factors such as William s qualities of leadership displayed both before and during the battle. GCE History 6HI01 A 5
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Examiner Comments The answer is focused on the question and addresses a number of relevant points on Hardrada, Harold and William. Hardrada's invasion is considered, but supporting information is not very extensive and it is not clear what effect the invasion had on Harold and his men. William's advantages before the battle are noted, but there is some narrative of events in places. The answer addresses the question, but the selection of supporting evidence is not entirely secure. A low Level 4 award. Examiner Tip If you are answering a question which asks you to decide on 'the most important factor' influencing an event, you might consider choosing a factor and proving your case. Many candidates agree with a question 'to some extent', and this often weakens the quality of their argument. 10 GCE History 6HI01 A
Question 4 Answers tended to stay focused on the period before 1100, which was an acceptable approach. There were some attempts to deal with William Rufus, but this usually came in the context of the number of castles constructed by 1100, or on the relationship between William and Anselm. Many tended to focus on the Church while addressing castles and administrative changes as well. The forest laws and their implications for the peasantry were well known. Question 5 Several answers lacked balance. Candidates were clearly more secure in their knowledge of Henry II and Becket than they were with John; a number failed to deal with John s difficulties at all beyond brief mention of the interdict. Others failed to get beyond the role of personalities in the church-state conflict and did not address Henry s wider reform programme. More able candidates were able to contextualise the conflict into a wider struggle between church and state, and recognised that the changing nature of the papacy and the personality of the popes also affected the relationship. Personal responsibility was sometimes asserted rather than being fully explained, so that the depth of argument was occasionally limited. Question 6 There were some reasonably assured answers to the question, but the European dimension challenged many candidates and made for an unbalanced answer. The rationale for the Crusade was well known but information on the domestic arrangements put in place during Richard s absence was sometimes patchy. More able candidates were able to discuss the poor rule of William Longchamp; the attack on the Jews in York; the mortgaging of royal assets; and the appointment of Hubert Walter. The importance of Philip Augustus early return from the Crusade was not understood well, and few considered his campaigns against Angevin territories. Question 7 Candidates were able to discuss a wide range of different ways in which the plagues changed England. The main focus of most candidates answers was the impact on agricultural practices, and the undermining of feudal practices and villeinage. The problem was that many found it more difficult to suggest what did not change. There was much reference to the Statute of Labourers and the Sumptuary Laws, but few discussed these in any depth, particularly when it came to considering the full time period. The more able candidates were able to discuss ways in which the fourteenth century was experiencing social and economic change already, citing climatic change and the great famine of 1315-17, which carried off 10% of the population. GCE History 6HI01 A 11
Question 8 Many answers were able to give a wide range of reasons for the Peasants Revolt, with the poll taxes of 1377-80 a particularly popular explanation. Some showed how resentment of the taxes fed into a wider despondency at the course of the Hundred Years War. The discussion of resentment towards landowners was problematic for some candidates as they could provide a general outline of the main issues but could not discuss these in much depth and with precise exemplification. The Sumptuary Laws and the Statute of Labourers were often considered, but some candidates found it difficult to link these precisely to the changing mood among the peasantry in the 1360s and 1370s. Overall, however, responses were focused on the question, and the quality of answers was somewhat better than in previous years. 12 GCE History 6HI01 A
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Examiner Comments The answer is well organised, perhaps thanks to the plan drawn up at the start of the answer. There is a good range of information supporting the examination of the stated factor, though the Sumptuary Laws are not addressed; and the significance of the fall in the size of the population, with the subsequent shortage of labour and growing peasant mobility, are both examined. There is a little less clarity on the growing mistrust of the Church and the impact of the Lollards. This is a high Level 4 answer, displaying both range and depth. GCE History 6HI01 A 17
Question 9 Most answers addressed both the issue of the weakness of French military forces and other factors. There were instances of the Armagnac/Burgundian conflict being the only feature of French weakness covered, but generally the factors underlying the French weaknesses were explored. Many candidates were able to discuss a wide range of different factors which explain English success between 1415 and 1420, and most impressive of all was the fact that they did not focus exclusively on the Agincourt campaign. While most candidates could discuss the general malaise within France, some did not address the explicit factor of French military weaknesses, supported by precise examples. Question 10 There were too few answers to Question 10 to allow for a meaningful report. 18 GCE History 6HI01 A
Question 11 In asking Why, despite setbacks the question left many more able candidates with only a modest response as they attempted to skirt around this point. Others were able to identify and clearly explain a number of setbacks and then show how these led to Yorkist success. Thus the Parliament of Devils was seen as a temporary problem that motivated the Yorkists to a more direct response and therefore led to their eventual success, whilst the death of Richard of York was the setback that allowed the military skills of his son Edward to emerge, flourish and lead him to the throne. Some answers came from candidates who seemed to be hoping for a question on why the Wars of the Roses broke out, focusing on Henry VI in the years to 1455. On the other hand, information on Margaret of Anjou and her role in the years 1455-61 was much more detailed than in previous years. GCE History 6HI01 A 19
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Examiner Comments There is some secure development on Yorkist successes, but these are mostly in the later stages of the timescale. Perhaps too much attention is devoted to Mortimer s Cross at the expense of other significant skirmishes, notably Blore Heath, Ludford and Northampton. The contrasting roles of Warwick and Margaret of Anjou are noted. There is Level 4 analysis here, but the answer lacks balance overall because of some significant omissions, including the role of Richard of York and Henry VI s weak leadership. This makes for a mid Level 4 mark. Examiner Tip Make sure you read each question very carefully. While Question 11 is focused largely on Yorkist successes in the years 1455-61, the phrase 'despite setbacks' means you must consider some of their failures during the campaign. 22 GCE History 6HI01 A
Question 12 There were some very strong answers which did not take a simplistic view of Richard as a bad king who lost support through usurping the throne and killing the Princes in the Tower but rather saw him as a monarch who sought strength but ultimately faced defeat and death at Bosworth. These answers recognised Richard s strengths as well as his weaknesses, linked his reign to a wider appreciation of the state of England during the Wars of the Roses and delved deeper into the motivations of the key players. Richard s personal responsibility was not simply contrasted with other factors, but the inter-relationship of the different factors was explored and weighed in the conclusion. Some, however, focused solely on the usurpation and the battle of Bosworth and did not address, for example, the imposition of Richard s northern affinity on the south and the role of France in supporting Henry Tudor. GCE History 6HI01 A 23
Question 13 The key point that stopped many candidates gaining the highest marks was an understanding of the nature of administration. Less able answers tended to describe methods of raising money or the justice dispensed to rebels. More able answers addressed the systems Henry put in place. Nevertheless, even those candidates who focused on the role of the Chamber system of administering finance or the use of JPs to administer justice in the localities, did not take the next step in actually explaining the extent of success. Equally, many considered justice only through the nobility and recognisances, the latter being spun out with copious examples, while some discussions of the Council Learned in Law were not targeted clearly to the demands of the question. Examiners reported overall that many candidates seemed unsure of the nature of Henry s domestic administration and of the reforms he put into place. 24 GCE History 6HI01 A
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Examiner Comments The answer considers a number of improvements made to the administration of both justice and royal finance. There is some developed material on financial measures, notably bonds and recognisances, and the connection between demands for subsidies and rebellions. It is debateable whether spending on the court and the palaces could be considered wasteful. There is less security on the question of justice. While the role of the JPs is understood, the candidate does not address wider issues such as the regional Councils and the establishing of central courts; and the role of Star Chamber is not fully understood. Analytical in shape for Level 4: some lack of balance overall makes for a mid Level 4 award. Examiner Tip If you are asked to investigate two separate issues, as here with both justice and royal finance, it is often advisable to deal with each issue separately. 30 GCE History 6HI01 A
Question 14 The focus on diplomatic relations proved a problem for some candidates as their focus was on either foreign policy in general or else the threat provided by the pretenders Simnel, Warbeck and de la Pole. Many candidates were able to describe Henry s diplomatic relations, with Spain, France and Scotland handled well, but Burgundy was not as well-known overall. Some candidates discussed Ireland, which was not really relevant. The more able candidates were able to keep a secure focus on the link between these diplomatic relations and the process whereby Henry strengthened his position as king. These answers addressed not only security through the elimination of challenges but also domestic security and the threats provided by those who objected to Henry taxing them to support his policy. The other qualities of the best answers were those of linkage, both between the evidence and the question and also between different countries, showing how Henry s diplomatic relations were a careful balancing act, keeping potential enemies in secure relations with England and also balancing different aims, such as dynastic security and financial security and the importance of strong trade links. Less secure were those who listed Henry s treaties to demonstrate his diplomatic relationships, but then failed to develop an analysis as to the extent to which these ties strengthened his position as king. For some, the treaties with Spain and Scotland were marriage alliances only. A few answers ventured into the realms of domestic policy to try to make an analytical response. Some had difficulty with the countryby-country approach because they could not achieve a balanced approach on the extent to which relations with other countries was strengthened. GCE History 6HI01 A 31
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Examiner Comments The answer begins quite promisingly by looking at Henry s initial dealings with both France and Scotland, and by considering England s early and difficult relations with Burgundy. However, the answer then moves out of focus by looking at finances and the nobility, neither of which is relevant and which belong more properly to Question 13. Mid Level 3. Examiner Tip Several questions do not require an assessment of the 'most important factor'. This question is not asking you to consider foreign policy and then other ways in which Henry strengthened his position as king: the focus is entirely on foreign policy. It is worth spending a few minutes studying your chosen question and working out what it is asking you to do. GCE History 6HI01 A 35
Paper Summary Based on their performance on this paper, candidates are offered the following advice: Do not attempt to limit your revision by trying to predict questions or by producing model answers based on past questions. This may lead to a lack of choice or a lack of focus on the demands made by the question. Try to analyse causation by using a variety of different methods. This year the factors which influence causation have been largely addressed with confidence. Differentiation between candidates answers has often arisen when candidates come to evaluate and weigh up the relative significance of conditional against contingent factors and then suggest which factor seems the most important. Try to understand issues concerning change and continuity over the whole timescale of your period of study. Consider how things stayed the same, how they changed and, most importantly, why change did or did not take place. Develop the skill of using appropriate historical terms with fluency and use these in your answers where appropriate. Plan your answer beforehand. This will help you to organise your thoughts before you start to write. Familiarise yourself with the format of the examination booklet. You should begin your first answer on page 4 and your second on page 12. On each of these pages you should place a cross to indicate which answer you have chosen. Knowing the format of the examination in advance should help to relieve the stress of the examination overall. 36 GCE History 6HI01 A
Grade Boundaries Grade boundaries for this, and all other papers, can be found on the website on this link: http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/pages/grade-boundaries.aspx GCE History 6HI01 A 37
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